'I have provincial health' is the most expensive mistake Canadians make.
Get a Quote'I have provincial health coverage' is the most common reason Canadians give for skipping travel insurance. It's also the most expensive mistake you can make. Here's what your provincial plan actually covers when you leave your province — and the gaps that travel insurance fills.
Within Canada: most provinces have reciprocal agreements, so you're covered for doctor and hospital visits — but not everything. Outside Canada: almost nothing. OHIP covers $50/day for hospital care in the US. That's it. A US hospital room costs $3,000–$5,000/day.
Even within Canada, ambulance services aren't covered by most provincial plans. Prescription drugs aren't covered outside your home province. Air ambulance isn't covered. And if you need to be flown home for treatment, that's on you.
A single night in a US ICU can cost $14,000+. Your provincial plan pays $50/day. The math doesn't work. Travel insurance covers the gap — the $13,950 your provincial plan doesn't.
Travel insurance pays first for out-of-country emergencies, then subrogates (claims back) from your provincial plan if applicable. You don't need to fight with your province — your insurer handles it.
Your provincial plan covers a fraction of out-of-province medical costs. Travel insurance covers the rest.
Get a Quote Learn more about Canadians leaving CanadaOne night in a Canadian ICU can top $14,000 — without coverage, that's on you.
Cost reality